The US military killed four people on Saturday in a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea, as the Trump administration continued its months-long campaign against alleged drug traffickers in Latin America.
The latest attack brings the death toll from US boat strikes to at least 231 in 69 operations since targeting “narcoterrorists” almost a year ago. US Southern Command said it targeted known smuggling routes, though the military provided no evidence the vessel carried drugs, releasing only a video on X showing a moving boat followed by a flash.
The administration is seeking deals to extend land operations across Latin America. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras agreed to joint military operations, though Guatemala denied reaching such a deal. Ecuador launched similar joint missions in March.
President Donald Trump justified the attacks by claiming the US is in “armed conflict” with cartels to curb fatal overdoses, though his administration has offered little evidence supporting claims of killing smugglers.
